LIFE ORIENTATION STUDY BOOKLET – GRADE 11
REVISION
Table of Contents
Democracy and Human Rights – Religion/Belief Systems
Healthy and Balanced Lifestyle Choices
Risky Behaviour and Situations
Psychological, Emotional, Physical, etc.
Factors that Impact Positively or Negatively on Lifestyle Choices
Competencies, Abilities and Ethics
Study Skills, Style, Strategies and Time Management
1. DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS – RELIGION/BELIEF
SYSTEMS
Democracy is a system of government in which citizens have the right to participate
in decision-making. It ensures equality, fairness, and justice for all. Citizens are
encouraged to vote, attend community meetings, and engage in activities that build
their communities.
Human rights protect the dignity and freedom of every person. These rights include
freedom of speech, equality before the law, and freedom of religion. Everyone must
respect and uphold these rights to maintain peace and fairness in society.
Religion and belief systems guide people's values and choices. They influence how
individuals behave, make moral decisions, and interact with others. In a democratic
country like South Africa, everyone has the right to practise their religion freely, as
long as it does not harm others.
• Examples of participation: voting, petitions, peaceful protests.
• Examples of rights: equality, dignity, safety, and education.
• Religion’s role: promoting peace, respect, and ethical behaviour.
2. Healthy and Balanced Lifestyle Choices
A healthy and balanced lifestyle means maintaining harmony between physical,
emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. It helps prevent diseases, improves
mood, and increases energy.
• Physical health – involves eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and
sleeping enough.
• Emotional health – being aware of your feelings, managing stress, and developing
a positive attitude.
• Social health – building supportive relationships with family and friends, and
communicating effectively.
• Spiritual health – living according to your beliefs and values, and finding purpose
in life.
To achieve balance, avoid harmful habits like smoking, substance abuse, or
excessive screen time. Instead, focus on setting realistic goals, managing time wisely,
and maintaining a routine that supports wellness.
3. Risky Behaviour and Situations
Risky behaviour refers to actions that can endanger your health, safety, or future.
These behaviours often arise from peer pressure, stress, or curiosity. Understanding
the dangers helps you make safer choices.
Common types of risky behaviour include:
• Substance abuse – using drugs or alcohol can cause addiction and poor judgment.
• Unsafe sexual behaviour – increases risk of HIV/AIDS, STIs, and unplanned
pregnancies.
• Reckless driving – not wearing seatbelts or speeding can lead to serious accidents.
• Violence and bullying – cause emotional and physical harm.
• Skipping school or neglecting responsibilities – affects education and future
opportunities.
Avoiding risky behaviour means being assertive, saying no to peer pressure, and
focusing on your goals.
4. Psychological, Emotional, Physical, etc.
A person’s well-being is made up of different aspects that work together:
• Psychological well-being – relates to how we think and handle problems. Positive
thinking improves motivation and learning.
• Emotional well-being – involves expressing and managing emotions in healthy
ways.
• Physical well-being – includes exercise, good nutrition, and regular rest.
• Social well-being – having supportive friendships and good communication skills.
• Spiritual well-being – having values, beliefs, and a sense of purpose.
When one area suffers (for example, emotional stress), it can affect others (like
physical health). Maintaining balance among all these areas supports a happy,
healthy life.
5. Factors that Impact Positively or Negatively on
Lifestyle Choices
Lifestyle choices are influenced by both personal and environmental factors.
Positive influences:
• Supportive family, friends, and role models.
• Access to education and health care.
• Strong values and a belief system that encourages discipline.
• Safe environments that promote good behaviour.
Negative influences:
• Peer pressure to engage in harmful activities.
• Poverty, unemployment, or lack of education.
• Exposure to substance abuse, violence, or media promoting unhealthy habits.
• Stress and lack of motivation.
Making positive choices involves understanding these factors, resisting negative
influences, and building a supportive environment.
6. Competencies, Abilities and Ethics
Competencies, abilities, and ethics are essential for success in your studies, work,
and personal life.
• Competencies – the combination of skills, knowledge, and attitudes that help you
perform effectively. Examples include problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership.
• Abilities – your natural talents or skills developed through practice, such as
communication or creativity.
• Ethics – moral principles that guide your behaviour. They include honesty, respect,
fairness, and accountability.
In a professional setting, ethical behaviour means respecting others, following rules,
and taking responsibility for your actions.
7. Study Skills, Style, Strategies and Time
Management
Effective study skills and time management help learners perform well and reduce
stress.
• Study styles – different people learn in different ways: visual (seeing), auditory
(hearing), or kinaesthetic (doing).
• Study strategies – methods to understand and remember information, such as the
SQ3R method: Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review.
• Time management – planning study time, setting goals, avoiding procrastination,
and keeping a daily schedule.
• Study habits – creating a quiet study space, revising regularly, and practising past
papers.
Good study habits improve concentration and academic performance, while poor
time management leads to stress and last-minute cramming.
